I was 6 that day. Crying in the middle of the sea. How did I get there anyway? Did I fall asleep? And the wind started to push my tiny boat here. I didn't even see the beach anymore. I was out of nowhere.

 

"Hey. Psst."

 

I lifted my head and cleaned my tears.

 

"Wh-Who's there?"

 

I saw nothing. Was that a ghost? A sea monster? Perhaps?

 

"Over here."

 

I followed the voice. And I gasped when I saw a little girl—maybe same age as me— on the side of my boat. I assumed she wore a diving suit. But, she was too young for a diver.

 

"Why are you crying, little girl?"she asked with a mischievous smile on her face.

 

"I'm lost."

 

I cried again.

 

"No, you're not. You're in In-"

 

"Irene!"

 

"Dad?"

 

The girl dissapeared as soon as Dad appeared with his Peggy Gordon boat. He gently pulled my boat and lifted me up. I saw my sister—Tiffany, she was older than me by a year— sighed in relief. I watched Dad, I thought he would be angry. But, he showered me with kisses instead.

 

"I'm so sorry, Dad."I looked down.

 

"It's okay, my dear."

 

"Dad, I met a little girl. There."

 

"You imagined thing again, Irene."Tiffany cut me off. I sticked my tongue to her.

 

"R-Really?"Dad trembled,"Irene, promise me you won't disappear like that again."his face turned serious.

 

"I promise, Dad. Cross my heart."

 

I crossed my heart. Dad's boat started to move.

 

"I'll see you soon. Irene."

 

I turned my head as I heard the girl's voice. But, I saw nothing. Just a huge sea behind me.